First People of the Land
For thousands of years, the native peoples of the northern Great
Basin met the challenge of living in this arid region. During the
nineteenth century, contact with explorers and emigrants resulted
in dramatic changes to the Indians' traditional way of life.
As they pushed west, the earliest
Euro-American explorers sought
directions from the Indians they
encountered. From the Indians,
explorers learned of a travel route
from the Snake Basin, through the
Blue Mountains, to the Columbia
River. Decades later, the same
ancient Indian path became the
Oregon Trail.
Emigrants following the Oregon
Trail frequently met and traded
with the Paiute, Shoshone,
Bannock, Snake, Nez Perce and
Cayuse Indians at Fort Boise. Here,
these Native Americans offered
food to the emigrants and their
skills were valued for the safe
crossing of the Snake River.
I... pitched my camp near that of some Chochonis... On the 18th I procured
a... horse, a small quantity of dried fish, some roots and some dried,
pulverized cherries. I spent the greater part of the day in getting information
as to our route and as to the time it would take us to reach the Sciatogas
(Cayuse Indians). The indians... agreed in saying the trail was good.
Wilson Price ?, explorer
December 18, 1811
The first night we stayed at Fort Bois, I lay on the bank of the river
where I could scarecly sleep for the Indians, who sung all night...
This is their practice when they are gambling... The salmon also
kept up a great noise, jumping and splashing about in the water.
Joseph Williams
Emigrant of 1841
There were several Indian encampments
scattered along the river; and a number of
their inhabitants... came to the camp on
horesback with dried and fresh fish to
trade... While the summer weather and
the salmon lasted, the lived contendedly
and happily, scattered along the different
streams where the fish were to be found;
and as soon as the winter snows began to
fall, little smokes would be seen rising
among the mountains, where they would
be found...
?
October 1841?
From Fort Hall to the Willamette River
not the slightest precaution was taken
against nor apprehension felt of Indian
hostility, nor were we in any instance
molested by them, on the contrary, they
often rendered us valuable assistance.
??
Emigrant of 1842
